In 1956 four of the biggest names in music came together for an impromptu recording session. Now a Broadway musical brings audiences into this once-in-a-lifetime meeting.
“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the true story of how Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash visited the Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tenn. These four rock ‘n’ roll singers came back to the place where their careers started for one evening.
The touring production of this Broadway musical made its way to the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha for just one week as a part of Omaha Performing Arts’ Broadway Series. This Tony Award nominated show felt more like a concert than a piece of theater, but certainly pleased audiences with its fantastic singing and acting.
Sun Records owner and producer Sam Phillips, who discovered all four talents, acted as a narrator of the show. He told the background of each musician and how their careers had brought them to this point in time. In addition, the show gave a glimpse into the future for each character.
With minimal dialogue, the musical was carried by its songs and dynamic performances.
Presley, Lewis, Perkins and Cash were all brought to life through great acting, and each artist was given a chance to shine by singing some of their well-known songs. Music selections included Presley’s hits like “That’s All Right” and “Hound Dog,” Cash’s “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire,” Perkin’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and “See You Later Alligator” and Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.”
The encore song “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” brought the audience to its feet to sing and dance, a fitting end to an entertaining show.
With its fun and captivating performances, “Quartet” gave us a glimpse back to a time when rock ‘n’ roll was at its creative beginning.
Members of the Omaha community are fortunate to be able to experience some of the best theater performances, like “Million Dollar Quartet,” through the Omaha Performing Arts.
Three upcoming shows are left in the 2013-2014 Broadway Series: “Sister Act” from March 18-23, “War Horse” from April 8-13 and “Wicked” from May 7-25.
Omaha Performing Arts also brings more than just great Broadway shows to the city. Fantastic speakers, dance performances and popular artists are all a part of the current season.
As a way to attract young people to attend arts performances, Omaha Performing Arts offers discounted “Student Rush” tickets to current students.
For most shows, bring a student ID to the Orpheum Theater or Holland Center box office one and a half hours before showtime to purchase up to two discounted tickets.
Student Rush gives students the opportunity to see some of the best entertainment acts at a reduced price. Tickets to the Broadway series are 50 percent off. For other Omaha Performing Arts events, tickets are as low as $10 a piece.
Visit omahaperformingarts.org for more information about upcoming events and to receive email updates about Student Rush tickets.